Lead shot tower

Top of shot tower. Built in 1797 by Walkers, Fishwick and Co., and one of three remaining in this country until its demolition in 1968. Demolished because tower was found to be leaning. Lead shot was made by pouring molten lead through a colander into a vat of water at the foot of the tower. Arsenic was added to harden the lead. Equipment for pouring the lead shot now preserved and in store at Beamish Museum. Elswick

NEG3835

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